UPDATE
Public transit has always been essential, but the need
for transit to quickly adapt to the challenges facing North
America has never been as evident as it is today. NATA will
work diligently with public transit agencies to help shape a
future where public transportation is personal, equitable, and
highly sustainable.
“The future of our economy depends on safe, effective,
reliable public transit,” said Dick Alexander, Transdev CEO
and chair of NATA’s Board. “NATA’s members bring ideas that
will help pave the way for what tomorrow’s mobility looks like,
today. We must fundamentally rethink how transportation
services are delivered for the communities we serve, and we
will help do that by bringing proven solutions and a deeplyexperienced
workforce.”
“The transportation industry continues to evolve with new
technologies that create opportunities for more cost effective
and dynamic modes of mobility,” said Brad Thomas, First Transit
president and NATA vice-chair. “With our diverse range of
experience, NATA’s members are well positioned to partner with
public transit agencies in building new, efficient, and accessible
operating models.”
In addition to promoting innovation in transit, NATA will
advocate for its members’ workforces, which together account
for 35 percent of the total U.S. public transportation labor pool
with more than 154,000 total employees. During the coronavirus
pandemic, NATA members’ teams have been on the front lines
in cities across North America, providing transportation to first
responders, healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and
all other essential workers who rely on bus, rail, paratransit,
and shuttle services. NATA has worked closely with its partners
at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and public health agencies
to advocate for transit employees and will engage with federal
and state governments on behalf of members.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on public
transit in North America, and NATA companies have worked
diligently beside their public transit agency partners to continue
to provide necessary mobility and other community services
during this extraordinary time,” said Paul Comfort, NATA
executive director. “Public transportation remains critical to all
Americans – it provides mobility options, generates jobs, spurs
economic growth, and supports public policies regarding energy
use and air quality.”
Looking forward, as the world continues to change, NATA
will bring expertise from over 30 countries to North America to
ensure the strongest and best practices are deployed here, first.
NATA member companies include First Transit, Keolis, MV
Transportation, National Express, RATP Dev USA, and Transdev.
Over 19 percent of the passenger journeys, or over 1 billion trips,
in the U.S. in 2018 were completed using services provided by
private transportation. NATA members operate in 46 states, five
provinces, and over 2,000 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
US Ignite selects First Transit as
autonomous vehicle and service
provider for the Fort Carson
Smart Transportation Testbed
US Ignite announced in August the selection of First Transit,
in partnership with Perrone Robotics, as the autonomous
vehicle (AV) shuttle provider for the Fort Carson, Colorado,
Smart Transportation Testbed, a project funded and managed
by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
(ERDC). First Transit will deliver and operate two Polaris GEM
autonomous shuttles custom-configured by Perrone Robotics
using their TONY (TO Navigate You) autonomy kit. The electric
AVs, which support Level 5 autonomous capability1, will
transport soldiers within the Fort Carson Army installation while
also collecting operational data as part of the yearlong pilot.
The goal of the Smart Transportation Testbed is to develop a
comprehensive implementation plan for scaling AV technologies
at Fort Carson and other military installations throughout the
U.S. Over the course of the project the shuttle program will
focus on reducing operational costs, improving public safety,
and enhancing the lives of soldiers and families living and
working at the post.
Unlike many other AV pilots, the initiative at Fort Carson
includes a significant focus on transportation planning as
well as data analytics, assessment, and modeling for future
autonomous shuttle deployments. In addition to sensors and
cameras on the vehicles, roadside cameras will be installed and
connected to a dedicated wireless network along the route to
capture information about the vehicle and pedestrian behavior
surrounding the AV shuttles.
“After a rigorous screening process, First Transit was selected
based on their industry leading operational expertise and
proven track record in successfully delivering on multiple prior
AV pilots,” said Eric Werner, director of autonomous vehicle
programs at US Ignite. “We’re thrilled to have the company join
our team and to partner in close collaboration with Perrone
Robotics as we move forward into the next phase of testbed
development.”
“We are proud to bring our extensive shared autonomous
vehicle (SAV) experience to the Fort Carson Smart
Transportation Testbed initiative,” said Brad Thomas, president
of First Transit. “This partnership allows ongoing data and
information to be collected in order to continue to enhance the
passenger experience on AVs.”
Currently, there are several traditional shuttles operating
at Fort Carson to transport soldiers living and working at the
installation. The new autonomous shuttles will extend the
hours of service to key destinations, adding to the overall
transportation capacity. Test operations are beginning now with
safety protocols in place to protect against the spread of the
COVID-19 virus.
*Level 5 autonomous capability refers to the ability of an AV to operate
without a steering wheel or acceleration and braking pedals. The shuttles
at Fort Carson will have both a steering wheel and pedals, but the safety
operator on board will be able to switch seamlessly between manual and fully
autonomous control.
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